Let’s make Election 2024 peaceful

The upcoming elections in Ghana on the 7th of December are highly significant. This election carries high stakes as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to defy the tradition of power alternation between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) every eight years. 

On the other hand, the NDC, under the leadership of former President John Mahama, is making a strong comeback and is determined not to face defeat for the third time after losses in the 2016 and 2020 elections to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

It is crucial to remember the events of our history under the Fourth Republic, as high-stakes elections have been linked to isolated electoral violence, which is a phenomenon that we must remain vigilant against. It is noteworthy to highlight the occurrence of political violence in isolated areas during the 2020 elections, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives.

The families of the victims are still awaiting justice, and this unfortunate incident has had a detrimental impact on Ghana’s hard-earned democratic reputation, drawing widespread condemnation. Notably, both the United States Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2020 and the latest Afrobarometer Report 2024 have addressed the murders and have implicated the state in the deaths of the eight individuals.

Justice

Apart from the quest for justice for the deceased and their families, the regrettable incident has contributed to a decline in Ghana’s democratic rankings, coinciding with a broader decline in democracy within the West African sub-region. While democracy is declining, there is a resurgence of authoritarian governments in many African countries. Ghana, which transitioned from electoral autocracy in 1993 to electoral democracy (1997-2002) and further to liberal democracy (2003-2014), saw a regression in its rankings according to the V-Dem Institute, shifting back to electoral democracy (2015-2023). Thus, despite Ghana’s electoral successes and its relatively stable and peaceful political environment, there has been a deterioration in the overall quality of the country’s democracy.

The latest Afrobarometer Report has supported the V-Dem Institute’s rankings on Ghana. According to the report, Ghanaians’ satisfaction with democracy has declined by 23 percentage points over the past decade, dropping from 74 per cent in 2012 to 51 per cent in 2022. Similarly, their preference for democracy has decreased by 6 percentage points, from 82 per cent in 2012 to 76 per cent in 2022. Furthermore, Ghanaians’ rejection of military rule has reduced by 18 percentage points, declining from 86 per cent in 2012 to 68 per cent in 2022.

The decline in Ghanaians’ rejection of military rule is particularly concerning, especially in light of the recent resurgence in military coups in several African countries. These negative developments highlight the urgent need for all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy, ensuring its endurance.

Resources

The government has a crucial role in providing necessary resources to security forces for effectively training and deploying personnel to polling stations. It is imperative for security personnel to maintain professionalism in their deployment to avoid intimidating voters. Additionally, strict enforcement of laws and thorough investigation and prosecution of any acts of violence are crucial to deter potential perpetrators.

Political parties and candidates are significant stakeholders in ensuring violence-free elections. They can contribute to the prevention of electoral violence by committing to peaceful campaigning and encouraging their supporters to refrain from violence. Moreover, resolving disputes through legal means instead of resorting to aggression is a crucial step. Adhering to the Political Parties’ code adopted in 2004, 2008, and 2012 under the IEA Ghana Political Parties Programme is essential.

Civil society plays a crucial role in ensuring violence-free elections as they have done in the past. Some of the key roles include voter education, monitoring the election process, and advocating transparency and fairness. Civil society organisations also work to promote inclusivity, encourage peaceful participation, and hold authorities accountable for upholding democratic principles. By fostering public awareness and engagement, civil society contributes to creating an environment where elections can be conducted peacefully and with integrity.

Media’s role

As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media plays a vital role in preventing electoral violence by providing fair and unbiased coverage of the election process. By avoiding sensationalism and promoting messages of peace and unity, the media can help create an environment that discourages violence. Naming and shaming politicians engaging in hate speech and implementing media blackouts for those who promote messages of hatred, division and dissent are important steps that the media should take.

Faith-based organisations (FBOs) wield significant influence in preventing electoral violence. It is crucial for FBOs to abstain from utilising their pulpits as campaign platforms or allowing the dissemination of hate speech by some politicians. Instead, they should focus on fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting messages of tolerance and understanding, and encouraging their members to engage in peaceful and responsive political discourse. Ghanaian FBOs should emulate the positive example set by their Kenyan counterparts, who barred politicians from using their platforms to sow division during Kenyan’s recent elections.

According to the 1992 Constitution, traditional leaders are expected to refrain from engaging in partisan politics, given their crucial role as agents of social cohesion. Their impartiality and objectivity are vital for facilitating the amicable resolution of disputes among political actors.

Voters play a critical role in shaping the country’s future through their votes. As such, they should choose political parties and candidates committed to effective governance and ensuring a better future for Ghana. The 2024 election is not merely about the NPP or the NDC or any other party, but about who will have the power to shape Ghana’s future.

In conclusion, it is imperative for all stakeholders in the 2024 elections in Ghana, including the government, political parties and their candidates, civil society, the media, the electorate, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, and the security forces, to diligently fulfil their roles to ensure a peaceful electoral process. It is essential for the voters to conscientiously cast their votes for individuals and parties committed to the sustainable development of Ghana.

The writer is a Political Scientist.